Sunset Speedway MRE Pro Series Round 2 Preview

Spencer Lewis

Friday June 15, 2012

Pro Late Models

Contenders to keep an eye on

Stompin’ Tom Walters

The 28-time champion broke through in Round 1 with a dominating performance to earn his first victory of the 2012 season. The Bradford, ON veteran led all 75-laps, fending off a half dozen challengers over the course of the event. Walters’ extended-distance credentials are well noted, as he has now visited victory lane after 75-lap Pro Late Model events in back-to-back seasons. Stompin’ Tom has as many laps around the new Sunset International Speedway as anyone, and will no doubt look to utilize his home track advantage when Sunday’s event hits its later stages.

Mike ‘Lights Out’ Bentley

After destroying his primary chassis in the first event of the Sunset season, Bentley has bounced back with authority, purchasing a brand new mount for week 2 and capturing victory in it in only its second time out of the hauler. The Guelph, ON up-and-comer put on a show in Round 1, charging from deep in the field – twice – to mount a serious challenge for the lead through the final 20 laps. The 24-year old is one of the most mentally tough competitors in the province, and if he can keep his nose clean and avoid being sent to the rear of the field mid-race, watch for Mike Bentley to give any front-runner fits come Sunday afternoon.

Steve Laking

Long considered one of the most under-appreciated Pro Late Model aces in the province, this Flamboro Speedway veteran turned in a fantastic third place performance in Round 1 after a torrid battle with Brad Corcoran. One of the many drivers on the MRE Pro Series entry list to have experienced great success in extended distance races, Laking followed up his top-3 performance in Sunset’s 75-lapper with a 6th place finish in the 1st round of Flamboro’s Grisdale Triple Crown tournament. The Guelph, ON veteran utilizes a smooth style that’s typically easy on equipment, a strategy that will no doubt benefit Laking as the 75-lap race wears on.
   
‘The Big Game Hunter’ Jesse Kennedy

With an inordinate number of ‘big race’ wins to his credit in the Pro Late Model ranks, it’s tough not to consider Jesse Kennedy as a favourite regardless of which pit area he arrives in. Round 1 saw Kennedy salvage a 5th place finish, picking his way through the field after being sent to the rear after a mid-race skirmish. The Southwold, ON veteran was in position to win the 2011 running of Sunset’s Velocity event until a re-draw at the halfway mark shuffled him deep into the field. If he can display the same rhythm he showed in September, watch for ‘The Big Game Hunter’ to scratch Sunset off his bucket list.

David Elliott

The 2011 Grisdale Triple Crown champion had a solid 6th place showing in Round 1 after battling setup difficulties. One of the most cerebral drivers in the sport, watch for the second-generation driver to return to Sunset this Sunday with a game plan in hand. If the car is dialed-in to his liking after qualifying, there’s no question he could be a factor come the ‘A Main’.

Brandon Watson

By the time the green flag flies on Sunday’s feature race, no one will have logged as many laps over the course of the weekend as Brandon Watson. Stayner, ON’s poster boy for blue-chip prospects will kick-start his weekend with a 100-lap Pro Late Model event at Kawartha Speedway on Friday evening, before running a 50-lap OSCAAR Super Late Model event the following night. If Watson can keep his composure through the first 24-hours of his hectic weekend, watch for the 19-year old to be in prime position to notch his second career Sunset Pro Late Model win.

Spectator Gates Open at 2:30 p.m. and Racing Starts at 4 p.m.  For more information please visit  www.sunsetspeedway.a

MRE Pro Series Point Standings after Round #1

1 51 Mike Bentley 93
2 47 Tom Walters 92
3 44 Steve Laking 85
4 05 Brad Corcoran  80
5 18 Jesse Kennedy 78
6 37 David Elliott 72
7 21 Matt Pritiko 72
8 22 Jamie Cox 67
9 71 Dan McHattie 66
10 8 Jason Parker 65
11 9 Brandon Watson 64
12 46 Billy Zardo 63
13 81 Bryan Mercer 63
14 16 Ryan Kimball 53
15 1 Jaxon Jacobs 52
16 0 Marc Jacobs  50
17 74 Trevor Monaghan 48
18 48 Dwayne Baker 47
19 61H Jason Hathaway 46
20 10 Gord Shepherd 45
21 29 Sean Grosman 45
22 41 Taylor Holdaway 44
23 61 Brent Wheler  42
24 36 Gary Elliott 41
25 55 Bruce Rankin 39
26 49 Frank Davey 37
28 27 Mat Box 35